How to Get an ADHD Diagnosis in the UK

People with ADHD often face a network of gatekeepers when seeking referrals assessment, support and referral. It is evident that many of these gatekeepers, especially in NHS CCGs, are disregarding the national guidelines for clinical practice and their legal obligations to prevent health inequality and discrimination.

Certain private ADHD clinics may not be properly regulated, according to anecdotal reports. This could lead to an inconsistency in diagnostic thresholds and assessment reporting which could create difficulties when trying to transfer to the NHS.

how to diagnose adhd in adults can I get a medical diagnosis?

ADHD is a mental health condition which means it can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional who has specialist knowledge. This includes psychologists and psychiatrists (who are the only qualified to diagnose ADHD in the UK). People with mental illnesses often have ADHD symptoms, especially those who have struggled for a lengthy period of time. This means that they be feeling stuck in their current circumstances and need assistance to improve their lives. The NHS can be confusing for those who are seeking an answer to a medical condition.

You can receive an appointment with the NHS if you ask your GP to refer you to a specialist. Your GP will take your concerns seriously and should be able to send you to a specialist for an examination but you may have to wait until the specialist is available.

To assess your ADHD healthcare professionals will examine any mental health issues you might have had in the past, as well as your family history. To determine your behavior, they will observe you in various situations, including at school, home or at work. They will ask you to write about your symptoms and how they affect your daily life. They may also ask about your social life, relationships and any other activities that you do on a regular basis.

A specialist will review all the evidence before deciding on an assessment. They will look at criteria such as being restless and fidgety at all times, having short-term memory issues or difficulty focusing or keeping up with school or work, not completing tasks, and being extremely energetic. The add diagnosis in adults is determined by an array of characteristics that are present in multiple environments and affect your performance.

In recent months, there has been a rise in the number of high-profile people who have spoken out about their experiences of being diagnosed with ADHD. This has led to a spike in the number of people who are seeking a diagnosis, which can result in long wait times for healthcare professionals. Some families and patients opt to avoid the NHS by having their health checked at private clinics, which can be expensive. It is important to choose a healthcare provider that you trust and be honest about your health issues.

What happens during the assessment process?

The procedure of conducting an assessment of ADHD symptoms is the same whether you self-refer or get referred by your GP. The person conducting the assessment will ask you questions about how your symptoms affect your daily life, like ”What difficulties do you encounter at home?”, ”How do your symptoms impact on work?”, and ”Do you have any other symptoms you believe could be related to ADHD?”

Depending on where you go for your assessment there could be various forms or questionnaires for you to complete prior to your appointment. Filling out these forms in a timely manner will prevent any delays in your appointment. It is also important to familiarize yourself with the traits (symptoms) of ADHD to ensure that you recognise them and discuss the ways they affect your life in depth.

The evaluation will usually include an interview with either a psychiatrist or specialist nursing staff or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional. The therapist will examine your overall mental health and the symptoms of ADHD to see whether they are caused by any other condition or unrelated to any other condition (NICE guidelines). The clinician will then discuss possible treatment options with you which may involve medication.

(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Royal_College_of_Psychiatrists_logo.png)Keep in mind that nurses and doctors aren't as well-versed in adult ADHD as psychiatrists. It is therefore important to identify your symptoms and practice them before you take part in the evaluation. This will allow you to describe your symptoms in a manner they can comprehend. You'll need to provide examples of how your symptoms have had an impact on every aspect of your life from relationships to work and how to get diagnosed with adhd adults they've changed over time.

There may be tests done as part of your assessment, such as a blood test to check for any allergies. If you have any other medical issues your therapist could suggest further tests to check for these, too.

You may be self-referring or making use of the Right to Choose Scheme, however, you'll still need to wait to get an appointment that is funded by the NHS. This can vary from NHS trust to NHS trust, as well as from clinician to clinician.

What is the outcome if I don't receive an answer to my question?

You could be diagnosed with ADHD in the event that you have several factors that favor you. Some groups may have a harder time getting diagnosed for Adhd diagnosed. For example when they are of color, were assigned female at birth or if they have other mental health issues, such as depression or bipolar disorder.

If you're struggling to get diagnosed with adhd an answer, consult your GP and ask for an appointment. You may also locate a private psychiatrist who is skilled in adult ADHD assessments. They can often offer an earlier service than the NHS.

The psychiatrist will examine your symptoms to determine if they are in line with the Nice guidelines for ADHD. They will also determine if there are other reasons for your symptoms, such as depression, anxiety or thyroid problems. It's a long process, and adults may not have all the information they need.

(Image: https://www.iampsychiatry.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/general-medical-council-logo.png)You might not be diagnosed with ADHD even if your GP agrees. A psychiatrist is able to diagnose ADHD in the event that they believe your ADHD symptoms are causing significant impairment. If they believe that you do not meet the criteria, they will inform you why.

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD it is legal in the UK to receive treatment through the NHS. This is applicable to England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. You could be able receive medication through an individual funding request, but it is contingent on the location you reside in. You could be referred to an expert in your local area who will prescribe the medication of your choice. NHS specialists prefer Methylphenidate or Atomoxetine first and don't usually make plans for long titration periods.

Joining a support group, either in person or online for adults suffering from ADHD can be beneficial. They can be extremely supportive and reassuring and can assist to discuss your experiences with people who understand.

What can I do to get treatment?

Adults may be directed to ADHD specialist services to be assessed and treated. These services are typically located in NHS hospitals or NHS community health teams. For example the Maudsley Hospital, London, provides a national ADHD diagnostic service for adults. However, a majority of NHS healthcare providers do not recognise these reports as valid, and patients often face difficulties in their access to treatment, notably long wait times and rejection of referrals (see below for more details).).

Support groups have reported at the meeting of consensus that a lot of ADHD sufferers seek private assessment and diagnosis to overcome NHS's lack of investment in this area. Private clinics provide a more accurate, professional and speedier diagnosis. They also assist in screening for comorbidities such as anxiety and depression which are common in ADHD. They assist with titration of the final dose. The cost ranges from PS500 to PS1,200. Sometimes, a diagnosis and dosage are separately priced.

The treatment and diagnosis of ADHD differs between individuals. The most popular treatment is medication, which can be in the form of methylphenidates (Ritalin, Concerta) or atomoxetine (Strateva). Sometimes, non-drug interventions can be useful, such as training and education for parents and families of people with ADHD. Some people with ADHD have discovered that altering their diet and creating a sleep-friendly schedule helps. Some people find that hypnotherapy and psychotherapy can aid in reducing symptoms. However the evidence behind these therapies is less extensive.

It is unacceptable that many adults with ADHD aren't able to receive the treatment and care they require on the NHS. The UK government, clinical and regulatory authorities must take action urgently to rectify this issue. Patients with ADHD need access to treatment, free from discrimination and in line with their rights under the law. Long-term planning of funding, and joint commissioning of health, social care and judicial services are crucial to address this need that is not being met. The current situation is not sustainable and the effect on individuals, families and society is incredibly damaging. It is time to invest in this area.